FontanaArte Fontana 1853 Table Lamp, Satin Blown Glass, Lit Base and Shade, 3 Sizes

The FontanaArte Fontana 1853 table lamp is the classic glass abat-jour: a satin white blown-glass shade on a rounded glass base, both of which light up. Two separate switches let you light the shade for reading and room light, the base for a soft glow, or both together, so one lamp covers everything from a bright evening to a gentle night light. In Small, Medium and Large, from 13.4 in to 30.7 in tall, it fits a nightstand, a console or a grand sideboard, and its silhouette reads as timeless in almost any room.

Quick facts

• Product: Fontana 1853 table lamp (also known as Fontana)
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item numbers (MPN): Small F185300100BIN1; Medium F185305100BIN1; Large F185310100BIN1
• Type: Plug-in glass table lamp with lit shade and lit base
• Best for: bedrooms, living rooms, entries, dining sideboards, hotel suites, lobbies and restaurants
• Small: 7.9 in (20 cm) diameter x 13.4 in (34 cm) high
• Medium: 12.6 in (32 cm) diameter x 20.9 in (53 cm) high
• Large: 18.5 in (47 cm) diameter x 30.7 in (78 cm) high
• Light source, Small: 1 x E26 59W max + 2 x G9 19W max
• Light source, Medium: 1 x E26 100W max + 2 x E12 30W max
• Light source, Large: 1 x E26 100W max + 4 x E26 46W max + 2 x E12 30W max
• Light: diffused, not dimmable; double switch lights the shade and the base separately; bulbs not included
• Power: plug-in, 110V; black cord with switch
• Rating: IP20, dry indoor locations only
• Materials: satin-finish blown glass shade and base; painted metal frame
• Sizes available: Small, Medium, Large (white)
• Certification: UL pending
• Designer: Max Ingrand (1954)
• Styles: Mid-century, Transitional, Classic, Modern

UL certification for the U.S. market is in progress for this lamp.

Light quality and how it performs

Both the shade and the base are blown glass with a satin finish, so each glows softly and evenly. With the shade lit, light spreads down onto the table and out into the room through the glass, giving a warm, generous ambient light that is also good for reading. With only the base lit, the lamp becomes a quiet glowing sculpture, perfect for late evening or as a night light. Lighting both gives the fullest effect. Each size has its own lamping: the Small uses one E26 in the shade and two G9 bulbs in the base; the Medium one E26 plus two E12; the Large one E26 and four E26 plus two E12, for serious output in a big room. Warm-white LED bulbs in the right bases keep the glass cool and the colour cosy. The lamp is not dimmable; the double switch on the cord controls each part.

Size and placement

The Small (13.4 in high, 7.9 in across) is right for a narrow nightstand, a desk corner or a shelf. The Medium (20.9 in high, 12.6 in across) is the classic nightstand and console size; give it about 15 in of surface. The Large (30.7 in high, 18.5 in across) is a statement for a sideboard, a wide console, a hall table or a corner of a large living room, and needs about 21 in of surface. On a pair of nightstands, the Medium keeps the bottom of the shade near eye level when you sit up in bed.

Where it works

Bedrooms. A pair of Mediums gives balanced reading light, and the lit-base setting doubles as a soft night light.

Living and dining rooms. A Large on a sideboard anchors the room; a Small on a bookshelf or side table adds a low, warm point of light.

Entries. On a hall console, the glowing glass base welcomes you home even before the main lights are on.

Hotels, restaurants and lobbies. Fontana 1853 is a natural fit for guest-room nightstands, suite desks, lobby consoles, restaurant sideboards and lounge tables, where a recognisable, timeless lamp sets the tone. The two-switch control gives staff a simple way to change from daytime light to a warm evening glow.

Style and pairing

French master glassmaker Max Ingrand designed the lamp in 1954; its soft, rounded form sits naturally in Mid-century, Transitional and Classic rooms, and its pure white glass is restrained enough for Modern interiors. It looks beautiful against dark panelled or painted walls, where the glow stands out, and next to walnut, marble, brass and velvet. In pale, Scandinavian-leaning rooms, it adds softness without colour.

Why choose Fontana 1853

• A FontanaArte icon from 1954, still made in satin-finish blown glass.
• Two light sources and a double switch: shade, base or both.
• Three sizes, from shelf lamp to sideboard statement.
• Soft, even, flattering light from glass rather than fabric.

Care

Switch off and let the bulbs cool before cleaning. Wipe the glass shade and base with a soft cloth; for marks, use a cloth lightly dampened with water or glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth, never onto the lamp. Handle the glass with both hands when moving the lamp or changing bulbs. Keep the cord and switches away from moisture. For dry indoor rooms only.

Frequently asked questions

Can I light only the base? Yes. The double switch lets you light the shade, the base or both.

Which size works on a nightstand? The Medium (20.9 in high) suits most nightstands; choose the Small for narrow tables.

Is the Large too big for a nightstand? Usually yes. At 30.7 in high and 18.5 in across, it is best on a sideboard, console or large table.

What bulbs does each size need? Small: 1 x E26 (59W max) + 2 x G9 (19W max). Medium: 1 x E26 (100W max) + 2 x E12 (30W max). Large: 1 x E26 (100W max) + 4 x E26 (46W max) + 2 x E12 (30W max). Bulbs are not included.

Is it dimmable? No. Use the double switch to change the effect.

Is it all glass? The shade and base are satin-finish blown glass on a painted metal frame.

Why is it called 1853? It was Max Ingrand's original name for the lamp; it was later called Fontana, and 1853 remains its nickname.

Does it need installation? No. It plugs into a standard outlet.

Is it UL certified? UL certification for the U.S. market is pending.

Can it go in a bathroom or outdoors? No. It is rated IP20 for dry interiors.

Trade & project orders

Interior designers, architects and hospitality buyers can join the MetropolitanDecor trade program for trade pricing. We also prepare quotes for multi-unit and project orders; contact us with your quantities.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.